I think you are right, and that one of the biggest factors is competition from far
more recreational pursuits available than were ever thought possible even a
generation ago.  My dad thinks that the amount of Choice in our society today is
not necessarily a reason for rejoice. I see the effect on this of children with
their toys.  Toys are not "special" anymore.  Kids are bombarded by new toys and
new ways to get a thrill every ten minutes.  Nothing has lasting allure.  There is
only the short wait for the NEXT BIG THING.  It's too bad.  By the way I'm not that
old.  I grew up in the sixties and all my toys were special and I remember them all
(or I think I do anyway).
Nora
Calgary, Alberta
 
Jim Miller wrote:
 
> From my viewpoint, it might be a good thing for the molluscs to get a
> slight break in the action until the next generation discovers them again
> (it also leaves more for me to get, ha, ha). For my part, I do not know
> many young collectors except a very nice young man in Singapore. All the
> rest of the folks I know are my age or older, though it's hard to know the
> age of some of the people I've corresponded with via this List.
>
> It may be that peer groups (age-wise) tend to stick together and all the
> young collectors are wondering where all us older collectors are. However,
> more likely, it has to do with lifestyle differences. What I did when I was
> in my 20s was collect shells because that was what was easily available to
> me (living in South Florida). Today's young people have an incredible
> amount of other free time activities available.
>
> What is everyone else's perspective?
>
> Best regards,
> Jim Miller
> Tallahassee, Florida
>
> >I've been wondering if the hobby of shell collecting is gentrifying.  It seems
> >that there are few young collectors and as such the hobby will decline as pre-
> >Baby Boomer and Baby Boomer collectors either stop collecting, sell their
> >collections, or pass away.  It seems the same may be true for other
> >"classical" collecting hobbies such as stamps, coins and currency.  Is my
> >perception accurate or am I way off base?
>
> Jim Miller
> Tallahassee, Florida
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